This fixture always seems to produce magic; we had entertaining draws in 2014 and 2015, the famous Ryan Hall try in 2015 as well, a 20-point comeback from Leeds in 2020, a one-point win for the Giants in 2021 and a 10-point comeback in 150 seconds earlier this year.
Adding even more spice to this game, both sides come into this match on the back of noteworthy wins. Huddersfield bounced back from cup final heartache to underline their top four status with a win over Catalans away from home.
Meanwhile, Leeds’ attack finally clicked as the Rhinos romped to a 40-4 win over Warrington. If they want to fulfil their play-off hopes, they need to back that up here.
Kick-off time and TV channel
The game kicks off at 19:45.
Despite possibly being the game of the round, there is no live TV coverage. Highlights will be available on Super League’s YouTube channel and BBC’s Super League Show.
Predicted Line-ups
Huddersfield Giants
After making seven changes following the cup final defeat, Ian Watson could bring back some of his first team players here except for those still unavailable including Chris Hill, Luke Yates and Theo Fages. Olly Russell will likely return to the halves alongside Will Pryce and Oliver Wilson will return to the front row. As there’s no Adam O’Brien, former Rhino Ash Golding could return to the bench. Watson has a big call to make on the wing. Will he recall Innes Senior or stick with Jake Wardle.
6 Tui Lolohea
2 Jermaine McGillvary
21 Leroy Cudjoe
4 Ricky Leutele
3 Jake Wardle
1 Will Pryce
23 Olly Russell
10 Michael Lawrence
9 Danny Levi
20 Oliver Wilson
11 Josh Jones
12 Chris McQueen
14 Matty English
Substitutes
5 Ashton Golding
15 Joe Greenwood
17 Owen Trout
29 Sam Hewitt
Leeds Rhinos
There’s only one change Rohan Smith will be forced to make with Morgan Gannon absent through concussion protocols. However, the solution will likely come in the shape of either of Leeds’ returning stars. Smith has confirmed star centre Harry Newman will play and his return could allow Rhyse Martin to replace Gannon in the backrow after starting at centre last week. Alex Mellor is of course an option there too if he’s able to return from a sternum injury. It may be too much to ask them to both return so expect one or the other with the smart money being on Newman. After such a good win last week, Smith will likely stick with what worked last time out including Zak Hardaker at fullback, Richie Myler at seven and Matt Prior on the bench.
33 Zak Hardaker
2 David Fusitu’a
3 Harry Newman
4 Liam Sutcliffe
5 Ash Handley
6 Blake Austin
16 Richie Myler
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
9 Kruise Leeming
13 Zane Tetevano
12 Rhyse Martin
19 Bodene Thompson
17 Cameron Smith
Substitutes
10 Matt Prior
14 Brad Dwyer
24 Jarrod O’Connor
25 James Donaldson
